Alicia - love the skin you’re in

I'm on a mission to show the world that women are beautiful and powerful at every size, shape, age, and color. Every woman is beautiful and it's my goal to show you your own magnificence so you can change the way you see yourself and move towards full acceptance and love for your body and self.

Alicia, along with a number of other women, joined me in my Love The Skin You’re In movement and answered the questionnaire below to help them tap into their own unique truths about beauty, self-image and self-love.

What is your definition of beauty?

*To me, beauty glows from the inside out and shines upon all who you encounter lifting their own feelings of joy about themselves. Beauty beams of love, happiness and gratitude for all mankind.

What do you remember learning about beauty from a young age? What impacted you the most that you’ve carried with you into adulthood (positive or negative)?

*At a young age, I learned beauty is your entire person not just external features; you are just as beautiful doing chores as attending a dance. I was positively impacted as a child being the youngest member of the Santa Ynez Valley Hunt Club learning graceful strength upon a horse, cleaning stalls and attending black tie dances. I learned so many beautiful things that people can do for each other.

Do you think you’re beautiful?

*I think I am beautiful inside ... I have made mistakes but I always try to learn from the lesson.

Tell me your story! What life experiences have made you who you are today?

*My greatest joy and achievement is being blessed as a mother of three children: 18, 15 and 4 years old. Each day brings new experiences which challenge my composure and help to instill and build quality characteristics of love, compassion and grace in the kids. Be and live the example, keep your word.

What is your favorite NON physical feature about yourself? (After all, beauty is a light in the heart!)

*My favorite non-physical feature about myself is my capacity for compassion and grace.

What words of wisdom, based on your personal experience, would you like to share with others who struggle to see their own beauty?

*Be kind to yourself. Life is a journey of lessons, share your knowledge, grow and uplift all those you encounter.

Why are beautiful photos important for you right now?

*Beautiful photos are important to me right now as I am approaching my 49th birthday in December. I would like to show my heart on film as I enter that last half of my life.

How does being the woman you are today make you uniquely powerful?

*I am the uniquely powerful woman today because of my family and friends ... unconditionally exemplifying grace. I am lucky to be a representative of their kindness.